Through April 3, the fourth level of the main Aquarium building will be closed for renovation, changing access to exhibits, amenities and guest routes.
(Eurypyga helias)
Birds
North America
South America
This slim, solitary bird has a blackish, slate-colored head with two white stripes on either side of the face. Its body is mottled, brown with black, and it has some white marks. A long, pointed black and orange bill and red eyes are distinctive.
Keep an eye out for these birds, and you may be lucky enough to see an amazing transformation. When they are disturbed or threatened, they spread their wings and exhibit very large eyespots—black, yellow, and chestnut. They seem to be saying, 'See how big I am? You can’t hurt me.'
Did you know that the sunbittern is named for the sun-like markings seen on its extended wings?
Sunbitterns are found in Central America and northern South America from Guatemala to northern Brazil, and are usually seen on the ground near forest pools and streams.
The sunbittern's diet consists of large insects, small fish, frogs and crayfish.
Sunbitterns average about 18–20 inches in length.
Sunbitterns are not threatened.
Predators include birds of prey, caimans and snakes. Sunbittern chicks and eggs are also vulnerable to small mammals and snakes.
Experience a 4D movie, explore behind the scenes, meet our experts and come face to face with amazing animals.
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
An adult frog has a body about 2 inches long.
These slow-moving mammals spend their days lounging high up in trees, often enjoying their favorite activity: sleeping.
The ibis gets its bright pink color from pigments in its food.
These tortoises can live for more than 50 years.
The turquoise tanager is a brightly colored bird with a strikingly blue face and breast and yellow or white underside.
